Photo frame|mixed media

This is another one of my mum’s photos; she’s 24 in here. I’ve been told loads of times that if I had dark hair we would look like twins. Well…I can be her blonde twin…

During my last trip to IKEA, I bought two photo frames (yes, that means there will be another frame decorated at some point). After making the ‘My parents’ wedding’ layout, I was on a roll today and decided that I don’t really want to wait another week for my supplies to arrive to make the frame, instead I rummaged through the stash I already had and just went for it.

To start, I painted the frame with gesso. The first layer of texture came from PrimaMarketing circles stencil and gesso mixed with Ayeeda Magic Powder. I used strips of corrugated paper to create next layer. Chipboard embellishments from wycinanka.net added more texture. Once these were secured in place with gel medium and dried, I painted everything with gesso again.

I was in need of something substantial as a base for the flowers; the only thing I could find was a bouncy RED mesh ribbon… I assembled it into a bow and painted with gesso, twice. The red was still showing but…fingers crossed the mists would do their job.

I used big PINK fabric flower and two smaller white paper flowers to fill up the corner. Again, I used gesso to cover/neutralise the colour of the pink flower.

Once everything dried, I assembled it on the frame and secured with gel medium. I also added small flower-shaped sequins here and there.

The last step was to add colour (and cover the red and pink that gesso didn’t). I used mists from Heidi Swapp and Tsukineko Fireworks in shades of blue.

It was a learning curve for me and very enjoyable.
One thing for sure, next time I’ll make sure that my embellishments are all available and preferably matching the colour scheme or white for easy coverage.